From business park to thriving Sydney community: the continuing evolution of Norwest
With an emphasis on sustainable living, the new Norwest Quarter masterplan is already attracting attention
4 min
There are many aspects that attract potential homeowners and investors in the apartment sector. For some, it’s about potential for capital growth and yield on their property. For most, though, it’s all about location.
For the longest time, Norwest in Sydney’s Hills District was best known as a business park bordering the neighbouring suburbs of Kellyville, Castle Hill and Baulkham Hills. In recent years, however, it has become home to a thriving community attracting a diverse group of residents across a range of demographics. Scratch the surface and it’s not hard to see why.
In addition to the business park, which continues to provide significant employment opportunities, the suburb is well serviced by schools and shopping precincts. With public transport links including Norwest Metro Station and bus services offering connection to the rest of Greater Sydney — part of a $9 billion investment in infrastructure — it’s no surprise that the Norwest apartment market has experienced strong growth over the past three years. This has been fuelled in part by projected population growth, with Transport NSW forecasting an average increase of 1.3 percent between now and 2037. The result is an additional 5,400 dwellings will be required over the next 15 years.
As demand for housing continues to exceed supply, prices are already on the move.
The median unit price in Norwest has increased by 6.3 percent per annum over the past 10 years and median sales price went up 8.7 percent in the past 12 months across 328 settled transactions. For prepared buyers and investors, opportunities to buy into the area should be seized upon.
Property developer Mulpha has been ahead of the curve in Norwest, with more than 30 years in the area spent developing the $2.5 billion commercial, retail and residential estate.
The release of its ground-breaking Norwest Quarter development is now poised to set a new standard for residential development in the Hills District, with a focus on liveability and sustainability.
Significantly, the mixed used development will provide housing for more than 2,000 residents across eight residential towers containing 864 apartments. Stage 1 has been designed by award-winning architectural firm Bates Smart and Smart Design Studio in consultation with environmental sustainability firm Finding Infinity and urban heat researchers at Western Sydney University. The development will not only aim to achieve carbon zero status, it will be a pleasure for residents to live in as well. Residential amenities will include EV charging points and community gardens with 70 percent of the 3.8ha site dedicated to open green space. The all-electric fit out of apartments will be off set by rooftop solar panels.
Beyond the residential design, Norwest Quarter will provide 6000sqm of space for cafes, restaurants, shops and services — everything that makes for vibrant, thriving neighbourhoods. And what makes good sense for residents makes a sound choice for investors.
Mulpha’s Head of Development, Tim Spencer said the demand for quality apartments in Norwest reflects a change in mindset in how people view apartment living.
“The demand for quality apartments will continue to grow not just due to relative affordability but also the lifestyle benefits,” he said.
“These include being able to live in a great location close to transport connections, education and public amenities, parks and recreational facilities, all within a vibrant community.
“This is increasingly appealing to a broad range of people from singles, couples and families, to empty nesters who want convenience and community. With people enjoying busy and active lifestyles through all stages of life, many people don’t want the responsibility, time commitment and cost of maintaining a house and garden.
“Of course, the most important consideration with buying any apartment is the quality of design and construction, by a developer with a strong track record and commitment to the area who stand behind their product.”
Norwest apartment purchaser, retired professor Lindsay Wasson, agrees. Having recently sold an apartment he owned with his wife at Norwest Lake — in Mulpha’s Watermark building — the couple have just bought a north-facing apartment in Norwest Quarter with full-length balcony.
“The apartment we have bought in Norwest Quarter is all-electric with double glazing, solar roof panels, high-rating insulation, water and energy efficiency, EV charging in car spaces and the list goes on,” Mr Wasson said.
“Combine these great elements (earning a NatHERS rating of 7.8) with Mulpha’s outstanding build quality, and the confidence we have in the company, buying into Norwest Quarter is probably the best decision we have ever made.”
Mr Wasson said he and his wife are confident they’ve made a sound choice.
“We are excited by the development and absolutely relaxed about the purchase,” he said. “We know we are buying from a quality developer who has earned our trust over many years. While this purchase is not for investment purposes, we also know that this future-proof building can only increase in value as an exemplar of design excellence and high-level sustainability.”
For more information, visit norwestquarter.com.au
This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
Futureproof your home and maximise your return with design directions that focus on contemporary ways of living
6 min
Looking to build, or renovate, a home in 2024? You’re not alone. According to a recent study from Resolve Finance, over a third of Australian homeowners are planning to renovate their current properties in the next 12 months. And if the Federal Government achieves its ambitious goal of delivering 1.2 million new dwellings over the next five years, there will be many new home owners looking to build their dream home in 2024 and beyond.
But before tackling such a behemoth task, considering all the latest—and future—architectural trends is pivotal in your new build’s success. Award-winning architect and interior designer, Georgina Wilson said sustainability will be at the forefront for many interested in energy efficiency and saving money on power bills.
“Elements of passive design are moving into the mainstream. Improvements in the technology with double glazing, building wrapping and insulation are meaning that more people have access to these materials,” Ms Wilson said. “Solar has proven itself and homeowners are now looking for other ways to make their home more efficient.”
The following eight trends reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, flexibility, and wellbeing in residential architecture, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners in 2024.
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1). Consider your colour palette
The colours you use say everything about the type of spaces you want to foster, whether they be bright and warm, dark and moody, neutral — the list goes on. If we’re looking to trends, earthy, calming neutrals are in — think brown, beige and eucalyptus green. Colours that feel natural and soft, but welcoming provide an inviting environment that’s easy to live with.
However, interior designer and stylist, Jono Fleming said contrast is important to create interest and one of the most powerful ways to do this is through colour.
“It doesn’t have to be a big splash of colour, it could be introduced through smaller decorative objects, a statement furniture piece or an artwork, but the colour should add balance to the space,” he said.
2). Modern, outdoor living areas
Ever since the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, expanding living spaces to the outdoors has gained in popularity. Features like plant-filled front porches, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and cosy seating areas create inviting spaces for relaxation and entertainment for all family members.
“There has definitely been a greater appreciation for outdoor living spaces since COVID,” said Ms Wilson. “Outdoor fabrics and mechanisms for shading have greatly improved in recent years allowing people to fully embrace seamless indoor/outdoor living.”
3). The integration of smart technology
Integrating smart home technology throughout your home continues to gain traction with homeowners. As we increasingly look to rely on technology to make our lives all the more seamless, smart technology throughout allows homeowners to control a variety of tasks and zones remotely, enhancing convenience, security, and even energy efficiency. This can include controlled heating and cooling from your phone, automatic lightning, voice control commands, and more.
“The technology for seamless appliances has come a long way. At Salone del Mobile Milano this year, we experienced the new Gaggenau fully integrated induction bench top, which in terms of kitchen design, is a huge advancement,” said Ms Wilson.
Gaggenau, the German manufacturer of high-end home appliances, is at the forefront of smart home technology, paving the way for intelligent cooking appliances that learn and adapt to user preferences. Gaggenau’s essential induction cooktop, the functional and seamless cooking surface Ms Wilson speaks of (pictured below), is designed to be “seamlessly integrated into a kitchen’s worktop”.
4). Health and wellness features
Prioritising health and wellness in 2024 is paramount, and home design that can include features like air purification systems, dedicated exercise spaces, recovering hubs—like saunas and ice baths—and relaxation areas to support physical and mental wellbeing will go a long way in not only adding value to your home, but providing a space that is architecturally on-trend and with the times.
“I’m seeing a lot of demand for in-built saunas, both traditional and infrared, particularly in the homes of our US clients,” said Ms Wilson.
“Bathroom suppliers such as Kohler, Duravit and Toto are offering increasingly sophisticated products that incorporate an almost spa-like experience in your at home bathroom. Examples of this are fantastic multi-nozzle showers and steam showers, Japanese toilets incorporating bidet technology, and elegant and serene bathroom furniture that can be fully customised for clients.”
5). Sustainability is key
A common goal among homeowners and future buyers alike is to own a property that is flexible enough grow with them. Futureproofing your home with sustainable measures will not only ensure its longevity, but it will help homeowners to play their part in addressing their carbon footprint.
“The current cost of living crisis is leading to a lot more multigenerational living, meaning families are prioritising durable materials and sustainable power sources, like solar,” said Ms Wilson.
Consider adding solar panels to your home, utilising sustainable materials in any upcoming renovations or builds, like recycled timber, and utilising energy-efficient lighting throughout your home.
6). Minimalist design
Do as the Scandinavians do – introduce minimalist design into your home. Embrace simplicity and clean lines with a focus on interior design. Decluttering in main living spaces is surprisingly effective. Adopting the approach of ‘Swedish Death Cleaning’, which essentially involves slowly ridding your house of unwanted or unused items once you reach the other side of 50, will also help you whittle your possessions down to the beautiful and the necessary.
Minimalist design in home appliances is also making a resurgence in 2024 according to Ms Wilson.
“What I’ve been interested to see at Salone del Mobile Milano in 2024 is a huge return to stainless steel finishes, and more and more seamless integration of appliances,” said Ms Wilson.
“We’re seeing timeless materials in reimagined applications: copper baths and stainless steel basins are emerging trends with the potential to be timeless. These materials are so practical, and pair beautifully with natural stone and timbers.”
Above all, maximising different spaces through efficient and effective storage options will also do wonders in achieving that minimal aesthetic.
7). Multifunctional spaces
As we move towards greater efficiency of space, it’s useful to consider multifunctional spaces throughout your home. In 2024, we are seeing more homes incorporate multifunctional spaces and trends. This includes using multifunctional furniture in main bedrooms or living spaces—furniture that can act as storage ottomans or convertible sofa beds—as well as transforming wasted space, and open up indoor to outdoor living.
“Multifunctional spaces in homes are a great idea. Particularly in small homes, it makes a lot of sense to achieve maximum value out of the limited space available. The way you use a space can change as your family evolves over time, so it’s always good to design in such a way that allows for flexibility,” said Ms Wilson.
“Make sure that the functions you allocate to a single room are compatible with the space available and each other. For example, it works really well to combine a living room, a dining room and a kitchen in one open plan space because these are all public, lively spaces. It doesn’t work very well to combine, say a study, with these spaces because you will want control over the visual and acoustic privacy in a study.”
8). Think about biophilic design
A buzz word among architects and interior designers, biophilic design is one of the strongest trends in 2024 thanks to its benefits in garnering a sense of harmony and connection between your home and the environment. Consider incorporating natural elements into home design, such as large windows to maximise natural light, indoor gardens, and natural materials like wood and stone.
“Biophilic design is a timeless principle, in that home design should connect people in a positive way with their natural environment by maximising access to, and the ability to control, natural light and ventilation, which really helps to create an enjoyable (and healthier) environment to live in,” said Ms Wilson.
“Increasingly, there is a demand for this positive relationship to the natural environment; by leaning on the principles of biophilic design, you can create a haven and retreat at home that can help with the daily stresses of life.”
Ways to foster that indoor-outdoor connection can be through the addition of smaller internal courtyard spaces filled with greenery, or incorporating indoor plants and adding greenery into different rooms throughout your home.
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This stylish family home combines a classic palette and finishes with a flexible floorplan
Just 55 minutes from Sydney, make this your creative getaway located in the majestic Hawkesbury region.
